I've spoken to most of you in the last couple days but thought I'd let everyone know that I am still alive and well. The hostel I am staying at (Bondi Backpackers) is decent. Four of us in a room and a lovely beach view. Basic but that's what hostels are.

On Wednesday, I went into the city. I opened up my bank account, got a new mobile sim card (everyone should have that number by now), and also applied for my tax file number to start work. I did get very lost though. I was looking for a shop that sells sportswear so that I can start running, and ended up down the streets with Tiffany and Co, Prada, LV etc Not exactly within my price range! Didn't manage to see the Opera House today, but I did see it from a distance when flying into Sydney airport so I don't feel too bad. The city comprises of about 5 main roads that are all interconnected with side streets - it gets very confusing!I hopped onto the bus back to Bondi Beach, and decided to get off a stop early to do some job hunting. I started handing out my CV and then realised it was the wrong copy. I am handing out a CV saying I want to work in health care when I am here, to shops and coffee bars. Surprise surprise, no return calls. Then I have a quick interview in a bar/restaurant. The guy was Irish but lived out here a good while. He wasn't massively impressed that I hadn't done cocktails before, or coffees. Seems if you want to be a waitress or barista over here, it is more of a career than side job. No one has a regular coffee. People want skinny soy double shot mochiatos (or whatever else). Anyway, he said I could have a trial on Friday and see how it goes. Thing is, to work in anywhere that sells alcohol over here, you need to have a RSA certificate (Responsible Selling of Alcohol). So I went straight onto the internet and booked onto a course on Thursday.

So Thursday I spent on this course. Typically I get sat next to the girl whose 29 but I thought was 39, has an opinion about everything, and worst of all. from Sheffield! At lunch I got chatting to Kara. She's 26 from Scotland, over here on a working visa and doing au pair work. She says it's really good because you get free accommodation, food etc, day times and weekends off. She's going to speak to people for me, so we shall see. After the course, we swapped numbers and walked around Sydney. Instead of following the signs saying 'Harbour Bridge'. Kara assures me the Opera House is down this other road. What should have been a 15 minute walk turned into an hour. We got to have a really good chat though, and has invited me out with other people who have just come over for dinner on Saturday which is nice.

Friday comes round and I was nervous as anything about the trial. I turned up and there was another girl having her trial too. It was 1pm so really dead and nothing to do. I stood at the front door for about 45 minutes enticing customers in, and managed to get three couples in. The guy comes out, tells me he'd like me to go to their other restaurant 10 minutes away at half 4, and hopefully be able to demonstrate what I can do there better. Plus it's with the big boss lady. Great! Half four comes, and the boss Emma, and Darren (the actual license holder) are much nicer. Emma is Australia and Darren is originally from Liverpool. It then made sense about the other guy from the other bar - assistant manager (you know how they get!) Darren tells me all about the beers and gives me tasters. I liked it already! It got really busy at 7 o'clock for two and a half hours, being absolutely manic. No idea how I did. After tidying up the majority of stuff, Emma turned round and handed me vegetarian spring rolls and told me to take a break. Very nice! The last couple left about 10pm, and then she offered me a glass of wine. I couldn't refuse. We sat and chatted for a while, and then a few drunkards came in and had cocktails. Emma told me she's going to teach me how to make cocktails, and things will get easier. I guess I passed?! I gave her my number. She said they were fully staffed Sat but could probably do with extra help Sunday so will let me know. Yay!

I went home to look up flat shares and will arrange a couple of viewings. I will still be sharing a room with another person whilst out here, but sharing with 1 girl, and a bathroom between four people is much nicer than sharing with about 150 people on one floor with 3 toilets and 6 showers. Plus I'll get free wifi, laundry etc, all for less money a week.

So today is Saturday and I've messaged some people about viewing rooms. I have until Tuesday morning booked at this hostel so ahve some time to look. I have also written ads about au pair work in case this restaurant work falls through. I am off to go shopping for trainers and cheap vests for work. Kara has told me about a cheap shop in Westfield Bondi Junction which is a 20 minute walk away. Much easier than looking for running shorts in Gucci!

Still missing everyone though. Today is only 22 degrees so cold by Bondi standards for this time of year. Just seen the BBC news that says you are expecting a cold snap next week, so guess I'll be out here a little longer. Oh, and I've also spoken to Emily from back home. She is waiting to hear about some exams but we will hopefully be doing the East Coast together from 7th - 31st March, so something to look forward too. Also Jenna comes out 19th Dec and have dinner with Kara and her friends tonight. One girl called Emma is also taking a career break from being a physio so will be cool to meet more people in the area.